Duane syndrome

Considerations

Duane's syndrome is a congenital type of strabismus characterized by the inability of one eye to turn outwards. Other names for this condition include:

• Duane's Retraction Syndrome;
• Eye Retraction Syndrome;
• Retraction Syndrome;
• Congenital retraction syndrome; and
• Stilling-Turk-Duane Syndrome.

This conditions results in the inability to maintain binocular vision when looking towards the side of the affected eye. In day to day life this is generally well compensated for by head turn to avoid diplopia but may result in an unusual head posture. The possibility of diplopia is however of concern to flight safety.

Information to be provided

• A special eye report by an accredited optometrist;
• Copy of any ophthalmologist report.

Disposition

• An applicant with Duane syndrome should be considered as having a condition that is of aeromedical significance.

A certificate is unlikely to be issued.